Backwoods Diner set to open July 11

Pat's Roosterante is gone, but a new restaurant with a new look, new food and a new owner is set to open July 11 in the same location.

"We're going to have good, old-fashioned home cooking at a reasonable price," new owner Theresa Schneider said.

Schneider will be opening the Backwoods Diner at 337 West Victory.

Schneider said when she worked at the local truck stop, she enjoyed the people who would come and the service the restaurant provided. She wanted to open a place where people could come and sit down and get the same service and friendliness the truck stop offered.

"Hospitality is a big thing," she said.

She said the Backwoods Diner will give customers good service and good food in a great atmosphere.

Schneider said she anticipates being open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. seven days a week, except for hunting season, when the Backwoods Diner will be open from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m.

When Schneider started the project she said she didn't realize how much work went into opening a restaurant, but she said that with lots of help, it has gone well.

"If it wouldn't have been for friends and family, (the restaurant) wouldn't have been possible," she said.

Schneider said that, along with the new look, the Backwoods Diner will include a patio in back of the restaurant, home cooking and free dessert.

Former owner of Pat's Roost--erante, Pat Padilla, said she decided to leave the restaurant business after three years because she wanted to spend more time with her family and pursue another hobby.

"I really want to do catering," she said. "I really want to do all the functions."

Although Padilla is out of the restaurant business, she said she will miss it.

"I'll miss the people, my customers," she said. "I enjoy cooking. Now I stay at home and look at cook books and find new stuff to cook," she said.

Padilla said she is excited to see what the new diner will look like and has no worries about the quality of the restaurant.